Canopy build for my 28G bow-front

[jrob11111]

So this weekend, I started building the canopy for my 28G bow front. Very exciting, as once I finish the canopy I will finally take the leap from fresh water to marine...CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!!

Attached is my design/schematic, and pics of the top and base. I have modified the base to accomodate a skimmer (eventually an overflow - have a sump coming in November which will be housed in my stand w/ the skimmer). The pics aren't the best, as taken with my phone, but good enough to give the general idea. I welcome any thoughts/recommendations.
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[bdesper311]

Good job, nice canopy!... you will live having a saltwater tank... make sure to ask tons of questions, the people here have always been a tremendous help to me!

 

[smallblock]

How do you bend the wood?

 

[jrob11111]

I just built the frame, and used plywood, clamps and glue. The plywood bends easily.

 

[smallblock]

I thought the frame would be bent like the wood on my bow

 

[smoothie]

Very nice man! I see that charcoal in the background. Ya know you could use that to lure some people over to help with the setup right?

 

[rbredding]

Smallblock;556432 wrote: How do you bend the wood?

you can actually do it a couple ways (in case you're looking to do it yourself..)

pm me and I'll give you a couple quick suggestions (that can be done relatively cheaply)

 

[jrob11111]

I had cut the bend in the frame from a 1x4 and then clamped the plywood to the shape

 

[jrob11111]

Great idea Smoothie!

 

[jrob11111]

Made some progress this week - the build is complete, and all I have left to do is paint the inside, stain the outside and install my electronics: 4x28w t5's, moonlights and 2 fans...then the switch to marine begins...after I find a home for my fresh water fish (mother in law is taking care of this...).
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[jrob11111]

So, I have installed the t5 reflectors, and will be staining/sealing the canopy this weekend. I am getting rid of my fresh water fish on sunday, so the migration to marine begins. Once stained, I just have to install the moonlight and the cooling fans and I am all set. Looks like I may go ahead and mix my water and start cycling pretty soon.
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[jrob11111]

And the canopy is complete. I hope to be going to see Chris at Fish Scales tomorrow to buy my LR and LS.
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[zoajohn]

wow that looks really good man

 

[jrob11111]

Thank you john~was my first canopy build so while I'm haPpy with how it turned out, there are things I will do differently next time

 

[carpenter981]

good job!